Table of Contents
Microsoft has announced that Skype will be discontinued starting May 2025, urging users to transition to Microsoft Teams as its replacement. While Microsoft is working on a one-click migration tool for an easy switch, many users may not want to wait for this feature to be available. If you’re looking for a way to manually migrate your Skype contacts and chats to Teams, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn how to transfer your Skype data to Teams and ensure a smooth transition before Skype is officially retired. Let’s get started!
You can also read: How to Download and View Your Skype Chat History Before It Shuts Down
Step 1: Download and Install Microsoft Teams
The first step in migrating your Skype data is to install Microsoft Teams on your device.
- Visit the Microsoft Teams download page and download the setup file.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install Teams on your system.
- Once installed, launch Teams and log in using the same Microsoft account associated with your Skype.
Logging in with your Skype-linked Microsoft account ensures that your data is synced correctly when migration is enabled.
Step 2: Join the Teams Insider Program
Since the official migration tool is not yet available, joining the Teams Insider Program can grant early access to new features, including the migration option, when it rolls out.
- Click on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner of Teams.
- Select Teams Insider Program from the dropdown.
- Click the Join button.
- A confirmation dialog box will appear—click Restart to apply the changes.
Once Teams restarts, you will have access to the latest updates before they become available to the general public.
Step 3: Check for the Skype Migration Dialog Box
After joining the Insider Program, Teams may display a migration dialog box stating: “Skype and Teams are coming together. All your Skype messages and contacts are now in Teams.”
- If you see this message, click Continue to proceed.
- Choose your Skype account and verify your details.
- Click Continue again to finalize the migration.
- Your Skype contacts and chats should now appear in Teams.
If the migration dialog box does not appear, you may need to wait for Microsoft to enable it for your account.
Step 4: Test Message Sync Between Teams and Skype
Once your contacts are added to Teams, try sending a message to one of your contacts. If they are still using Skype, your message should appear in their Skype chat as well.
This ensures that even if your contacts haven’t moved to Teams yet, you can still communicate with them seamlessly.
Other things you can do:
Manually Sync Contacts and Chats
If the automatic migration option is not yet available, you can manually sync your contacts and continue your conversations on Teams:
- Contacts: Manually add your most frequently used Skype contacts in Teams. To do this, go to the Chat section in Teams, click on New Chat, and enter their Microsoft account email.
- Chats: Since Skype messages are linked to your Microsoft account, you can copy important conversations and save them as a backup before making the switch.
Export Skype Data (Optional)
If you prefer not to switch to Teams but want to keep a backup of your Skype chats and contacts, Microsoft provides an option to export your Skype data.
- Visit the Skype Export Page.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Select the data you wish to export (chats, contacts, files, etc.).
- Click Submit Request and wait for Microsoft to generate the downloadable file.
This ensures you have a backup in case you need your old conversations and contacts later. Or you can Download and View Your Skype Chat History Before It Shuts Down.
Complete Video tutorial:
Conclusion: Make the Transition Smoothly Before Skype is Discontinued
With Microsoft officially discontinuing Skype in May 2025, transitioning to Microsoft Teams now will save you from last-minute complications. While Microsoft is working on an easier migration tool, you can still move your contacts and chats manually using the steps outlined in this guide.
To recap:
- Install Microsoft Teams and log in with your Skype-linked Microsoft account.
- Join the Teams Insider Program to get early access to migration features.
- Look for the Skype migration prompt or manually sync contacts and chats.
- Test communication between Teams and Skype to ensure messages sync properly.
- Export Skype data as a backup if you don’t want to switch immediately.
By taking these steps now, you’ll ensure a smooth transition from Skype to Teams without losing important contacts or messages. Stay ahead of the change and prepare for a seamless experience with Microsoft Teams!
